WHITTIER, Calif. — Nathan Gonzalez found the net in the 49^th minute to put the University of La Verne men's soccer team up 1-0, but Whittier rallied to score two goals to beat the Leopards, 2-1, on Wednesday night at Graham Field.

What it means: La Verne drops to 6-7-0 in SCIAC play and the math gets tighter for a spot in the SCIAC Postseason Tournament. The Leopards need at least two wins the season's final three matches and need a little help from other teams in order to make it to the tourney.

How it happened: After a tight first half, Gonzalez scored his eighth goal of the season on an assist from Auden Foxe to put the Leopards up early in the second half.

But 10 minutes later, Whittier's came through with the equalizer. Then in the 79^th minute, Russell found Tyler Crough, who converted the eventual game-winner.

La Verne nearly answered back in the 81^st. Foxe was able to get a shot off near the box but unfortunately for La Verne, the shot came off the post.

The Leopards had one final chance in the last minute on a corner, but the Poets were able to clear it out.

Player of the game: Gonzalez tallied a game-high six shots and had both of La Verne's two shots on target including his goal.

Stat of the game: Whittier registered two shots on goal but were able to convert both of them into scores.

Up next: La Verne travels to Thousand Oaks on Saturday to face Cal Lutheran. The kickoff is at 7 p.m.